Snort a line and then shell out $6 for a domestic to help lower your standards so you can find a warm body to go home with at 3 a.m.

Just re-located to Chicago from San Diego on a job offer. I am no means a typical Continental patron, but I have a good time with friends here. Very hipster atmosphere, the staff is friendly and always working hard late on Friday and saturday nights. The building has 2 floors with a bar on each floor. You can play pool, sit in a booth with friends, chill at the bar, or dance to music (hipster music). Not my kind of scene but gets the job done as a local bar I can stumble into and grab a drink during later hours. I recommend trying it out its not for everyone but for a social enviroment and drinks after other bars are closed, I dont mind chillin with hipsters. read more

i am a grownup with a job. that means the days of drinking until 4 am are totally over for me. it also means i don't go to bars on a weekend if i can help it. that said, i like this bar. before the hipsters arrive, and on weekdays, it's small, it's quiet and the bartenders are cool if you're cool to them. (isn't that the way it should be?) i can have a conversation with my girls (who are just as grownup as i am) without having to endure the screechy, rude, drunk girls in other bars. i don't have to endure the roiling frat boys who've been priced out of lincoln park. i can drink my makers mark, smoke my one cigarette and go home without feeling i'll need to go to confession the next day. so i think this bar has something for everyone, like a little jekyll and hyde: it's the sedate, cool grown up bar during the week and on the weekends, you can get your load on and paint the town like jack the ripper. read more

Best 4 o'clock bar in town. Doesn't get too crowded. Great music. Reasonably priced drinks.

Pretty sweet bar for late night shenanigans. Its where Chicago and California meet, so its not in the most lively area but its a cozy spot with a pretty nice selection of poisons. I love the upstairs booth area close to the bar and the tunes they play, old school punk..that is the jam. Give this place a shot. It really worth it. read more

I got hellaciously fucked up at The Continental one night after drinking at Harrigan's and Guthrie's for several hours beforehand. Good times. It's a four a.m.-er, which is nice when you just aren't ready for the party to end. The DJ was playing good shit, like Guns N' Roses and New Order and they have super-cheap Ayingers, which is always delish. This is the kinda place I would only go on rare and special occasions, as it's a bit out of the way of where I usually spend my time in Chicago, but it's a nice diversion when you're feeling dangerous. read more

The Continental is trouble in the best and worst aspects of the word. If you're looking for Trouble, it's a fantastic place; if you'd rather avoid that at 3 a.m., you're probably better listening to your friend and going home. read more

Far beyond anything else, I enjoyed the people-watching here. The place is small, open late, kinda retro and in an interesting, yet developing area of town. It kind of reminded me of Holiday Club, but MUCH better. The Continental brings in all kinds. I saw everyone from an urban cowboy to a preppy prepster, to man who looked like Andy Warhol in there - and everyone seemed comfortable. People were ordering everything from cheap beer to glasses of wine, to gin and tonics. The sophisticated, yet fun and funky crowd was not as ultra-hip as the Wicker Park/Bucktown crowd and not as young, makeup-y and beer-bucket loving as the Lincoln Park crowd. A happy medium. The music was great too, and switched from blues n' jazz to 80s rock, to Blondie-style punk. I'll go back...and will remember to wear my fedora hat next time. read more

I just spent a half hour laughing at everyone else's reviews of this place. It's hipster heavy, smells weird, and I had to break up with that bar after I broke up with the guy I picked up there. Definitely the hot spot for single people looking to make some bad decisions. read more

If you're looking for a crap fest then this is the bar for you. Open late for those who don't want the night to end. The DJ's can be pretty rad...definitely good taste in music on most nights. Check it out early for a better experience. read more

You can catch me there almost every other Tuesday and Friday. Always jam- packed with tons of people and usually a nice mixture of music being played. The drinks are average priced and the staff is pretty friendly too. I definitely dig this spot. If you are the type of person that doesn't respond well with large crowds, then this place is not for you... read more

On first account "The Continental" may appear as any other average local dive bar, but it's so much more. When we first arrived we were greeted by a friendly bouncer who was asked by another party to wish this girl a happy birthday and he obliged. Please keep in mind this was around 02:00am. Once inside this bar offers a nice LONG bar as well as three cosy but quaint booths. Booths that would be perfect for any person wearing high heels or even chaco sandals. Greeted by bold, yet welcoming, waitresses - we were accompanied with pungent beverages that kept us coming back for another thirst quenching sip. Prices are reasonable and quite fair, however if you desire to pay by card plan on spending a minimum of $25. Depending on your mode of transportation there were multiple Rickshaw drivers waiting outside for willing riders. The bar is also conveniently located on the Route 66 bus line. I'm conclusion you would be hard pressed to find a better 5 am bar to start or finish you night then at The Continental. read more

After 2am you will walk into this bar and be greeted by a mix of serious drinkers and after-partying hipsters. It always seems like a good idea at the time. The bathroom doors are not well planned out. They are like saloon doors that open in the middle. You will likely be hit in the face by drunk girls trying to bust in. You get hot wax poured on your arm and are somehow involved in breaking a shot glass. After wards someone is going to try to get you to race up to 1000 liquors before it closes. You can't get a cab so you steal someones keys. You won't make it in time anyway, but you try and get turned away at the door. Your friends will slur something argumentative toward you. You shrug it off and go back to someones house where you will pass out playing video games or watching cops. You wake up in the morning with mysterious cigarette burns on your pants, really wishing you had a burrito. Happens every time. Update: I went back here, after 2am. It happened again, I'll never learn. Due to the smoking ban, only mystery bruises. From what I recall I made it to Berlin that night... I think. read more

A few of my co-workers and I sometimes like to inhabit this place after work because of the location and the cheap drinks. Its a small little lounge which I can see smelling like an armpit when it gets packed. The bartender does a decent job of keeping your drinks filled but can at times seem a little....ummmm...how do you say....aloof. Bottom line is I'll keep coming here for drinks after work but would take a pass at night. No need to knowingly and willingly take a full hit of barf and armpit if you can help it. read more

I hate this place. I've been here a few times and the only time I had fun was when my friend Rudy was DJing. He is the only reason I would ever set foot in this place again. Hipsters-you aren't cool. You aren't fun. Your music sucks. Your clothes are stupid. Your guys aren't cute. I would rather go to Exit (and that's saying a lot!). I wish I could give negative stars... read more

i can't believe i am giving continental 4 stars... i have a very unhealthy relationship with this place, but in the end the pros (sort of) outweigh the cons. So, this is a total make out bar, which is fine for the 21-22 year olds. However, i feel anybody over 22 1/2 needs a bit more to be entertained. To have to witness face sucking all nite, meh, no thanks. Other than the blatant pre-boning rituals going on, this place is pretty alright. The older crowd is pleasant, and I feel you can strike up a conversation with just about anybody over the "omg, i'm finally of legal drinking age" mentality. The music always surprises me. Out of nowhere you can hear a classic song that can energize the entire crowd, and before you know it you're part of a drunken chorus. The bartenders have always been super nice, they get to your orders rather quickly considering how PACKED this damn place gets. Let me emphasize this -- you CANNOT MOVE after 1:30am on a weekend nite. This of course is understandable, seeing as this is one of a few 5am bars. But ladies beware, you will get groped, and maybe you'll like it. It should be noted the super packed quarters kind of, in a weird way, adds to the ambiance of the place. You can't help but say "what's up" to your neighbor who is now sitting in your lap. You can definitely meet some characters in this joint, and that is always a good time. All in all, it's a pretty good time, just don't make an idiot out of yourself by playing grab-ass with a stranger in the corner. read more

A coupla weeks ago I went to Rotofugi for a gallery opening and did a little post-gallery bar hopping, starting at Cleos, then the Black Beetle, then the Continental. I like the Continental most out of the three, but even then it was just alright. Definitely caught wind of the hipster vibe in this spot and it was just a little too cramped for space in my opinion. Maybe I was just tired and cranky, but I definitely prefer Danny's in Bucktown over the Continental and I think it could stand a little tweaking before it's someplace you'd find me at even semi-regularly. read more

The Continental is just exactly what the Continental is. It's an afterhours place, so if you are there between 2am and 4am then it will be very crowded. Yet, somehow, the bar staff tend to be attentive and I've never waited too long for a drink. The line can get pretty long outside, but doormen tend to be nice as long as you are being nice to them. I don't make plans to go there, but I'm not surprised or upset when that's where a night takes me. read more

This place is pretty sweet aside from the location and the bartenders. You have to drive pretty out of the way of most everything to get there, but once you get there there is generally a pretty decent crowd and decent music playing. It has an older crowd than the Wicker Park area, and they seem to be an alternative, chill crowd. The bartenders I have dealt with there suckkkkk. One time I was overcharged $10 on my debit card by a bitchy bartender there... another time I dealt with copious amounts of attitude from another bartender. It seems like if you don't know them, they're not going to be cordial. Oh well! I don't let them ruin my experience while I am there because I always meet up with a good group when I am there. It gets pretty packed on the weekends, so if you plan on going on a Friday or Saturday night be prepared to get smashed by people if you're a shorty. It is a small place and the bathrooms kind of suck, but I don't let that ruin it either! All in all, I say go to Continental if you're into a more intimate style dive bar. :) read more

One of my favorite bars. If you are into the music scene or even just frequent the wickerbuckairan village with any sort of frequency then you will most likely run into people you know here anytime you go. Only complaint is catching a cab from here blows a big one. If you plan on staying late on the weekends go before 2 so you can at least get in and settled. Update: I never go in here any more. I really couldn't taking dodging the people smocking crack in the bathroom anymore. That combined with the overcrowding wasn't appealing enough. There are better 4am bars. read more

I am kind of torn on this place. the space itself is very cozy, the staff are attentive, pricing is average, and the music selection is fairly eclectic. I am used to crowded latenight spots. However, I dont think that I have ever been anywhere where complete strangers lean on your back because there is no other empty space. I almost felt as if I was at a sold out standing room only concert or something. I bet this place is great during the week when it is less crowded. minus one star for the lack of personal space. read more

if its late and I need a place to keep the night going I will come to the continental. Bartenders really know how to keep you happy. Can get pretty crowded when the other bars close. I would try to get there a little earlier to beat the rush and possible line to get in. Music is good and I don't seem to ever have a bad time. I need to make my way to the back patio one of these nights though, still haven't checked it out yet. read more

Overpriced. So overpriced. Honestly, I only appreciated it for the nice booths for seating - probably a hot commodity when this place is packed - and the friendly girl behind the bar. Otherwise, nothing special. read more

This is one of the places you go to once you're on the roundup of pregaming and just about to finish up the party. Go here for a couple of drinks, it has two floors. Usually packed elbow to elbow around 1AM. Beers are a bit over priced...but hey, you can do that when you're open until 4AM...right?! read more

I lived in L.A. for five years. This is as close as Chicago gets to a Silver Lake hipster dive like Shortstop or a hollywood faux-dive like Beauty Bar. I spent a lot of time in those places and am completely done with that era of my life. With that said, if you like packed loud, tiny, dark, snobby-chic, pretentious bars you will love this place. I like it because it is open until 4 AM. This bar does not have pretty people, just low self-esteem 1980s wannabes. I remember the 1980s, and the clothes were just as ugly then as they are now. Anyway, the bar is packed and there is a line after 2 AM so slip the doorman a $20 bill for immediate entry, just like back to the '80s. read more

Ah the drunken nights at the Continental. I always meet someone, I always have a good time. What more could you ask for from a 4 am bar?

Great dive-y bar to chill and get drinks. don't love the neighborhood at night though.

This place is cool if you want to continue to get the buzz you didn't get at some other bar. The bartenders are a little unfriendly, atompshere is cool. read more

Great chill neighborhood bar until 2am, after that it gets packed with loud lonely drunks. Prices are reasonable, DJs never disappoint, and there's a pool table upstairs. read more

great atmosphere, beer list and MUSIC. i first went to the continental after moving back to the city a few years ago. we'd go there on tuesday nights after funky buddha let out back when they were doing their outdanced! parties. ever since it's been a favorite place of mine but i hadn't been back there in over a year and never on the weekend. last night i went with the girl i'm seeing, got there around 2 and the dj's (much like when i went there before) were playing vintage 40's-70's music. i'm talking obscure b-sides that you wouldn't think of or know off the bat unless you're from that era and really into music. definitely a dive-feel, but a warm environment for a semi-hipster joint and i'd say there were generally very friendly people. no cover charge either and easy parking. would bring friends there visiting from out of town in a heartbeat. i could see myself drinking there on weekdeays, and most likely that's what is going to happen.. read more

Keeping it at four stars, only because Chris (and most others are) wondeful bartenders. I wasn't thrilled with the all-Reggae music last Tuesday night though, Jeeeez. read more

hmmmm been here twice & both times were never planned. first time after one of my gigs and I have a few brews and the crowd was super hipster. 2nd time was a weird after party to a holiday party upstairs and that was just a drunk fest...goodtimes cheap drinks & open late. read more

Lot's of fun with a very friendly staff and a ton of room to find your vibe. The bar is good for meeting people, but you can also go upstairs for a quiet and intimate space to talk. The back patio is also a nice spot. read more

I rarely stay past 2am. Before the afterhours rush, this place is great. The staff is awesome. Weekends are tight and annoying after 2am, but that's expected and that's why the place opens early enough for us real people to enjoy ourselves. I like bringing my burger over from Feed (next door) and having a beer with my meal. Conversation with the bartenders and the early shift regulars is always amusing. My advice to the patron: don't judge this bar on its afterhours meat-market crowd, check it out early to soak it all in. read more

I would have given this place two stars if it wasn't for the conversation that I had with a short Mexican guy in a cowboy hat and camouflage pants, because he was about the most unpretentious person I met here. Was he lying about his connections with the mob? Maybe, but it was entertaining nonetheless. Arrived past 2 a.m. and the place was jam packed, which is fine and the music was good, but again most of the people I met were pretty proud of themselves, maybe for the simple fact that they were at this place. I wouldn't mind having a copy of the painting of the train above the bar though. read more

Went there after reading this is the place to be when it gets late. Started the evening at Danny's, they closed around 2, so I thought why not. Here's why not: the place was dead. There were some people outside, some people inside but zero on the dance floor. I waited until 3 am, hoping that others will join from all the closed places. They didn't. I have no idea why this name has reputation for being packed/sleazy/busy. It was just boring with terrible music. read more

Stiff drinks, good music at a reasonable volume, open to 4am. That's all i ask

I've been a frequent customer of the continental for about 2 years now and I have always had a great experience. Between the door guys and the bartenders who are there, they really make you feel welcome. I never have had a bad experience. Thanks again everyone for a great local bar experience. read more

ok, so i've been having this little plan in the works, whenever friends and i go to this bar, it always seems like someone makes out with someone, and usually, it's never something you're proud of. and yes i will admit that the amount of alcohol going through our veins even before we step through the door warrants a DUI even for walking there, as i'm sure is true with the main population of this place. i have luckily never been "that guy" making out at the bar, so, coming back to my plan. I'm going to print out some cards, that simply says "mistake" on it, and hand to friends, and possibly strangers who are being "that guy/girl" it'll be black with red cursive lettering, in case you were wondering. And yes, i know who am i to judge, well, shut it, you'd make fun of them too... and if i do it some day, i hope someone would give me a card, i would laugh and buy them a drink. thus, we call this place, mistakes ok, so besides that, i do always have fun at this bar, it's well priced, and by the end of the night i can always get a few kids dancing. the music is usually good and if you can get a booth, you're golden, if not, loose any love for personal space. read more

Vibe. This bar, as far as I've seen, is all about the vibe. I went early on a weekday, so it wasn't crowded, smelly or hipster-fied. It was an excellent place to have a drink and a chat after work, before dinner or a night out. read more